John McDONALD

| 31/07/2014

John McDONALD

New South Wales Police Force

Sub-Inspector

Freeman’s Journal ( Sydney ) Saturday 14 October 1899 page 12 of 28

RECOGNITION OF DUTY WELL DISCHARGED.

SUB-INSPECTOR McDONALD PUBLICLY TESTIMONIALIZED.

No. 4 Division as it is officially phrased, but more popularly known as St. Patrick’s Parish, is in imminent danger of losing that fame so obligingly but unmeritably thrust upon it by a section of the press as the abode of ” the Rocks Push. ” Leaving out Parliamentary and Municipal elections, the chief public gatherings of the past two years have been those in which the people have spontaneously risen to give voice to generous recognition of deserving police officers leaving them either through retirement or well-merited promotion. This big hearted recognition of duty well done by members of a Force which watches over them night and day has been characteristic of this end of the city from the time when Inspector Anderson was promoted out of their midst to the present ; and that it is creditable to the citizenship of a law-abiding, peace-loving people, who will deny?

Recently, after a service of 26 years in the district, Senior-Sergeant John McDonald was promoted to a Sub-Inspectorship and the charge of Paddington district, and that a long service marked by a faithful performance of his duty was not lost upon the residents of No. 4 Division was proved by the fact that Mr. P. Nolan (who usually acts as secretary of such movements) was immediately requisitioned to receive the nucleus of a fund to fittingly entertain Inspector McDonald on his departure. The outcome was a valedictory presentation on Thursday last in the Federation Hall, Church Hill, in which upwards of 120 residents, ladies and gentlemen, took part. Refreshments were laid in true banqueting style, and it was during a lull in these proceedings that the presentation was made.

Alderman R. G. Watkins presided, and there were present amongst others : Mr. W. J. Spruson, M.P., Aldermen P. F. Hart and G. Smail, W. O. Healy, J. P., Very Rev. P. LeRennetel, E. O’Farrell, P. Nolan, J. Kilbeg. C. J. Morrissey, J. Keane, T. J. Purcell, J. Lynch, A. Ryan, G. Humphries, T. J. McMahon, T. O’Neill, W. Gunther, P. McManus.

The chairman called upon Mr. W. J. Spruson, M.P., to make the presentation on behalf of the residents.

Mr. Spruson said it afforded him the keenest pleasure to be associated with a movement such as that to honour a deserving public servant. An occasion like the present served not only to credit the district and to honour the man, but to show the authorities that in promoting men like Inspector McDonald they had the full approval of the people amongst whom their duty was cast. He then read the following address:-

” To Sub-Inspector John McDonald. Dear Sir, — Your promotion, to the rank of Sub-Inspector of Police and your transfer to the district of Paddington provide a fitting opportunity for an expression of the high regard in which you are held by those who have known you during your 26 years’ service in No. 4 Division of Sydney. An unstained record of 30 years’ service — a commendable, deliberate, and cautious method in the rigorous yet dutiful discharge of duty — and the frankness and fearlessness of character’ displayed alike in your official capacity and personal relations, which have earned for you a substantial recognition at the hands of your superiors, merit the warmest acknowledgment from your fellow-citizens. We trust that a capable discharge of the duties of your new position, and a continued display of those estimable qualities which have characterized your career in the past, will pave the way for further advancement, and retain for you that official and popular approbation which is the best reward of faithful service. (Signed— W. J. Spruson, P. F. Hart, R. G. Watkins, Virgoe, Son, and Chapman, Thomas Playfair, Patrick Keane, W. Owen Healy, T. J. McMahon, W. W. Aitkin, J. M. Stevens, B. Byrnes, J. A. O’Shea, M. Finnan, A. B. Holmes, James Inglis and Co., P. Le Rennetel, Geo. E. Smail, P. Nolan, John Keane, R. J. Lukie, Robt. Miller, John Bridge and Co., Ltd., James Dugan, John Smith, E. Resch, Rodolph Tudor, J. Lynch and Co., C. F. Cullen, D. A. Kenna and Co., D. A. Renard and Co., Ryall and Son.) ”

Mr. Spruson then presented the address, accompanied by a valuable gold watch (suitably inscribed), albert, and locket.

The address is a beautiful specimen of illumination in morocco portfolio form, beautified by touches of scenery about that portion of Port Jackson which has been the neighbourhood of his duty. The cover bears an elaborate monogram.

Sub-Inspector McDonald (who rose amidst enthusiastic applause) said he could not affect to feel anything but moved by the demonstration of esteem which marked his departure from the district in which he had served so long. Such a recognition of duty could not but prove an incentive to further devotion to the service with which he was indentified. His only regret was that his promotion entailed his severance from a district where he had so long served, and where had his wishes been consulted he would have served to the end. One thing he could assure them — that he would endeavour to prove that the confidence of the people of No. 4 Division was not misplaced ; and the handsome present they had just given him, as well as the warm feelings they expressed, would be regarded by him as long as he lived, and after him by his children, as something to be proud of. (Loud applause )

The toast of Sub-Inspector McDonald’s health and future success was proposed by Aldermen Watkins, Hart, and Smail, Father Le Rennetel, Mr. W. O. Healy, and Mr. E. O’Farrell.

In honour of the presence of a number of ladies their health was briefly but warmly moved by Mr. T. O’Neill, and enthusiastically received. Mr. J. J. Keenan suitably responded. Mrs. McDonald was presented with several rich and costly gifts.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/111077771?searchTerm=sub%20inspector%20james%20smith&searchLimits=l-australian=y

John McNALLY

| 31/07/2014

John McNALLY

( the First Victorian Policeman killed ‘ on duty ” )

Victoria Police Force

Sergeant

Murdered – shot

Born 1826

Died 16 October 1856

30 old

McNally, John (1826–1856)

Intelligence was received on Saturday morning last, at the Detective Office, that on the preceding Thursday, the 16th inst., two of the mounted police force, Sergeant [John] McNally and Constable Moore, proceeded at seven o’clock on the night in question to a tent believed to be occupied by the notorious William Turner, alias Gipsy Smith, who stands charged with various acts of highway robbery, and with dismounting a constable from his horse near Castlemaine several months ago, and with escaping from custody.

On approaching the tent, the officers recognised Turner, who attempted to make his escape. The officers immediately closed with him, and, during the struggle, shots were fired from the tent, one of which entered the breast of Sergeant McNally, who fell dead on the spot. Several other shots were fired, and wounded the constable (Moore) severely in the face and other parts of the body.

As soon as the intelligence reached the Camp at Mount Ararat, the police went in search of the bushrangers, who, however, succeeded in eluding their vigilance. A woman was arrested in the tent. An active search is in progress, and it is thought the criminals cannot long escape detection. The gang, supposed to be under the leadership of Turner, is, without doubt, the same as that which committed the late daring acts of bushranging near Moliagul.

http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/mcnally-john-15338

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Sgt John McNally

Sergeant John McNally became the first member of the Victoria Police to be feloniously slain in the line of duty when he was murdered at the Cathcart diggings on 16^th October, 1856.

Whilst trying to arrest a suspect (Gypsy Smith) over a string of armed robberies, an associate of the suspect intervened and fired his shotgun, killing Sergeant McNally and seriously injuring his partner, Constable John Moore. The two offenders then made their escape. Seven days later, the pair were arrested near Amherst and charged with the murder of McNally. One of the offenders was hanged in 1857 and the other received a sentence of fifteen years hard labour.

The offender, William Smith (Gypsy Smith) was transported to Botany Bay at the age of 15 for stealing a handkerchief. He went on to become a hardened bush ranger who, between the years of 1852 and 1856, became the notorious ‘Gypsy Smith’, a subject of fascination for the newspapers and police as he and his gang of desperate convicts created fear among the gold diggings of Victoria.

Sergeant McNally is buried in Cathcart Cemetery on a hill known as McNally’ Hill. The Cemetery is in a natural bushland setting and is very well maintained.

The emergency department at Ararat Hospital is known as the John McNally Emergency Department.

Cathcart is approx. 4.6 km from Ararat and is approx. 345 m above sea level. There is no town at Cathcart, it is only an area. It was a large attraction for Gold Miners in the early 1800′s. People from England, Ireland, Scotland, America, Switzerland, Germany, France, Russia and China descended on Cathcart to look for gold. Also many other from Australia took their families there as well.

There were many stories about horse thieves and murderers in the old days and these were dealt with tough justice by a self-established vigilante committee.
After the first rush the lead was lost and most miners moved on to other diggings except one of the original party J. P. Rodd who was in partnership with an American Negro Richard Davis (alias Black Harry). They traced the gold deeper and hit another lead calling it Blackman Lead. This attracted 3,000 diggers to the area, other leads were discovered each causing a new rush of miners.
The general area became known as Cathcart and with time the name was given to the Township where stores, school, hall and hotels had sprung up. There were many tents and lean-to shanties.
Today there is little evidence of the hustle and bustle of the frenzied gold diggers and their lively community of dreamers. Except maybe the Cemetery, which is on the Ararat- Pomonal Rd.

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Sergeant John McNally: The system of registered number for police hadn’t been introduced when Sergeant John McNally was murdered on the Mt Ararat goldfield in 1856. He had joined the Victoria Police Force the previous year after service with the Royal Irish Constabulary.

On October 16, 1856 Sergeant McNally and Constable John Moore where told that William Turner, a wanted robber was staying in a tent in a camp about two miles away. Turner tired to flee but the police wrestled him to the ground. Turner called for help from his associate, William Twigham. Also known as Cockney Bill, Twigham came out of the tent armed with a double-barrelled shotgun. He fired, killing Sergeant McNally and wounding Constable Moore.

Turner and Twigham escaped and a reward of £400 was offered for their arrest. They were arrested a week later at the Adelaide diggings after being recognised by a shopkeeper.

After a trial held at Castlemaine, Twigham was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. he was hanged at the Melbourne Gaol on March 11, 1857.

Turner pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years hard labour on the roads and other public works.

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Life of Sergeant John McNally’s murderer subject of new book

By BEN KIMBER

April 16, 2013, midnight

http://www.araratadvertiser.com.au/story/1433380/life-of-sergeant-john-mcnallys-murderer-subject-of-new-book/

ARARAT – A book chronicling the life and times of the man responsible for the murder of police sergeant John McNally in 1856 is nearing completion.

The text, which is yet to be titled, tells the story of William Sydenham Smith and how his life of crime led to him crossing paths with Sergeant McNally.

Sergeant McNally was the first member of the Victorian Police force to be slain in the line of duty.

The research team of Marion McAdie, Greg Vivian, and Ian Batty along with author Laurie Moore have spent over 12 months on the book.

Mrs McAdie said she along with the genealogical society wanted to find the facts surrounding the murder of Sergeant McNally.

“Unfortunately, after much research we still know little about McNally or his partner Constable John Moore, who was wounded in the same incident,” she said.

The book uses Smith’s history to provide a broader context to the death of McNally.

“Like the public perception of most Australian bush rangers, Smith comes across in most accounts as a one-dimensional person,” Mrs McAdie said.

“His origins from England as a transported convict at the age of fifteen, his brutal treatment for minor misdemeanours at the hands of a ruthless system, his heroism in saving lives during his imprisonment, and his eventual participation as a free man in colonial New South Wales and Victoria, have never been mentioned before.

“As in many cases of murder by bush rangers, the victim hardly rates a mention and we hope that this book may help recognise the heroism and positive contributions made by the early police on the goldfields.”

Mrs McAdie said she believes it is an important story because it tells of how a young William Smith was transported to Botany Bay at the age of 15 for stealing a handkerchief.

“It traces his experiences as a convict around Sydney, Norfolk Island and Tasmania before he escaped in a whale boat from Tasmania,” she said.

The book goes on to show how the young boy became a hardened bush ranger who, between the years of 1852 and 1856, became the notorious ‘Gypsey Smith’, a subject of fascination for the newspapers and police as he and his gang of desperate convicts created fear among the gold diggings of Victoria.

The story culminates in the events at Cathcart diggings on October 16, 1856 when the bush rangers were confronted by Sergeant McNally and Constable Moore, leaving one dead and the other wounded.

“After the eventual capture of the bush rangers near Maryborough, Smith’s mate was hanged but a strange fate awaited Smith, and this is detailed in the forthcoming book,” Mrs McAdie said.

Although the story revolves around a bush ranger, it is set among the goldfields of 1850s’ Victoria.

It touches on the lives of many ordinary people, the legal system, the squatters, and the impacts of convicts who came in large numbers to look for gold and rob and terrorise the infant community.

“It is a good read and one that is set in Sydney, Norfolk Island, Tasmania, Melbourne, Yackandandah, Moliagul, Maryborough, Amherst, Beaufort, Ararat, Cathcart and Hay in New South Wales,” Mrs McAdie said.

The book’s author, Laurie Moore retired from Sydney to live in Western Victoria thirteen years ago.

Mr Moore’s first book involved nearly ten years of research by Mr Moore and his wife Dianne.

It told the story of the last declared outlaw in Australia, Jimmy Governor, who was the fictional character, Jimmie Blacksmith, in the book written by Thomas Keneally.

Since then he has written ‘Shot for Gold’, a bush ranging story that happened near Smythesdale, a draft for a book on the Clark Gang of Braidwood, and has now put together the history of the killing of the policeman, Sergeant John McNally, and the convict and bush ranging events that led to his death in October 1856 at Cathcart.

Mrs McAdie said despite all the hours of research the team still can’t place an exact location of the burial site of sergeant McNally.

“We would love to hear from people about the exact location,” she said.

“We think the site is located in the north west corner of the now Cathcart cemetery.”

The team hope to have the book finished by the 157th anniversary of the event on October 16 this year.

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Sergeant John McNallyPrint Page

Plaque at gravesite commemorates Police Sergeant John Mc Nally who was murdered whilst on duty in October 1854.

Sergeant John McNally became the first member of Victoria Police to be feloniously slain in the line of duty when he was murdered at the Mt Ararat goldfields on 16th October, 1856. Whilst trying to arrest a suspect over a string of armed robberies an associate of the suspect intervened and fired his shotgun, killing Sergeant McNally and seriously injuring his partner, Constable John Moore. The two offenders then made their escape. Seven days later, the pair were arrested near Amherst and charged with the murder of McNally. One of the offenders was hanged in 1857 and the other received a sentence of fifteen years hard labour.

Location

Address:	Phillips Flat Road, Cathcart Cemetery, Cathcart, 3377
State:	VIC
Area:	AUS
GPS Coordinates:	Lat: -37.319616 Long: 142.888729 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.

View Google Map

Details

Monument Type:	Plaque
Monument Theme:	People
Sub-Theme:	Crime
Actual Event STart Date:	16-October-1854
Actual Event End Date:	16-October-1854

Dedication

Approx. Monument Dedication Date:	1974

Front Inscription
In memory Sgt. John McNally who was murdered whilst in the execution of his duty 16-10-1854. Erected by Victoria Police Department 1974.

Source: MA,RHSV

Monument details supplied by Monument Australia – www.monumentaustralia.org.au

http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/crime/display/30743-sergeant-john-mcnally

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The John McNally Medical Imaging Unit at Ararat Hospital

With substantial donations from the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation the Ararat Hospital was able to purchase an image intensifier for its surgical department and new X-Ray equipment for the Medical Imaging Unit. This was a joint project between the Blue Ribbon Foundation and the local community through the Ararat Branch and was dedicated as a Police Memorial in memory of Sergeant John McNally who was murdered at the Mt Ararat Goldfields in 1856.

http://www.remember.org.au/Memorials/Hospitals/The-John-McNally-Medical-Imaging-Unit-at-Ararat-Ho

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The John McNally Emergency Department at Ararat Hospital

In 2003 works commenced on a complete redevelopment of the Ararat Hospital and the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation was able to contribute to the re-building of the emergency department. This was completed as a joint project in partnership with the local community through the Ararat Barnch of the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Today the Ararat Hospital Emergency Department can provide state of the art emergency & trauma care to the people of Ararat and surrounding districts. This project, commissioned as a Police Memorial in May 2004, was the first stage in a continuing relationship with the community of Ararat and their public hospital.

Sergeant John McNally became the first member of Victoria Police to be feloniously slain in the line of duty when he was murdered at the Mt Ararat goldfields on 16th October, 1856. Whilst trying to arrest a suspect over a string of armed robberies an associate of the suspect intervened and fired his shotgun, killing Sergeant McNally and seriously injuring his partner, Constable John Moore. Sergeant McNally’s sacrifice is acknowledged through this an other projects installed at the Ararat Hospital.

http://www.remember.org.au/Memorials/Hospitals/The-John-McNally-Emergency-Department-at-Ararat-Ho

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E. F. T. CRAMPTON

| 31/07/2014

E. F. T. CRAMPTON

Queensland Police Force

Constable

Stationed at Yeulba ( Yuleba )

Suicide – firearm

Died 4 September 1907

Constable’s Death.

The Chief Inspector of Police at Brisbane has received a telegram intimating that on the 4th instant Constable E. F. T. Crampton who was stationed at Yeulba, entered his ofiice and shot himself with his revolver. The district inspector has gone to Yeulba to investigate. Constable Crampton who was a married man with a wife and family had been transferred to Yeulba a few days ago from the Charleville district where he had been doing relieving duty.

The Brisbane Courier ( Qld ) Saturday 7 September 1907 page 4 of 16

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/19407130?searchTerm=constable%20crampton&searchLimits=l-category=Article|||l-australian=y#pstart1557900

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Magisterial Inquiry.

As inquiry was held before Mr. Wm. Harris, P.M., at Yeulba on Friday into the death of Constable Crampton, who committed suicide by shooting himself with a revolver on Thursday morning last.

The evidence of George Howe, a contractor at Yeulba, was to the effect that he had been occupied about a week repairing the police buildings, and that deceased arrived there on 27th August. Deceased appeared low spirited, and complained of having no sleep. In the middle of a conversation he would get up and walk away. On the 3rd, deceased picked up a cartridge, which he put in his mouth, exclaiming “Bang.” On the 4th, a man in Howe’s employ told Howe the constable was walking about with a revolver in his hand. Howe went to the constable and asked him what he wanted to be playing with the revolver for, and Crampton remarked, ” It is very tempting being under my nose.” Later he put the revolver in a pigeon hole. That was the last time he saw Crampton alive. The following morning Howe and Darr found him dead on the floor of his room.

Masy Crampton, widow of deceased, deposed that her husband had been very worried over business matters. He had left the police and gone into business at Oakey, but bad lost money and rejoined the force. Later he was transferred to Charleville and Yeulba. In his letters to her he complained of the idea of having to take his family to Charlevill, also of having no sleep. He was a temperate man.

Henry Darr, H. McLoughlin, J.P., Constable Joyce, Dr. Pratt (Government medical officer), and several others gave evidence.

Western Star & Roma Advertiser ( Toowoomba, Qld )

Wednesday 11 September 1907 page 3 of 4

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/97417885?searchTerm=constable%20crampton&searchLimits=l-category=Article|||l-australian=y#pstart10174906

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Yeulba / Yuleba Police Station no longer exists but was possibly in Stephenson St, Yuleba, Qld, 4427.

It was located in the Maranoa & Warrego Division, consisted of 2 cells, with the walls made from wood, the roof of iron and was built in 1881.

http://boggoroad.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/know-your-colonial-gaol-history-15.html

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F. C. Derry

| 31/07/2014

F. C. Derry

Victoria Police

Sergeant

Suicide – Firearm

Died 7 October 1893

38 old

The Argus ( Melbourne, Vic. ) Monday 9 October 1893 page 6 of 8

SUICIDE AT THE RUSSELL STREET BARRACKS.

SERGEANT DERRY SHOOTS HIMSELF.

On Saturday morning Sergeant F. C. Derry, who acted as clerk to Superintendent Sadlier, committed suicide by shooting himself at the Russell street barracks. No reason can be assigned for his act. He was happy in his domestic relations was well advanced in grade in the force, held a comfortable position as clerk to the inspecting superintendent, and was almost, if not quite, a total abstainer from intoxicants. In these circumstances and the additional favourable features of good health and a happy temperament, the members of the force have been compelled to the opinion that his act was the result of some sudden impulse which cannot be explained. Derry was 38 years of age, and a married man with a wife and two children. He entered the Permanent Artillery in 1874, and a year later joined the police force. In May, 1887, he was promoted to the rank of senior constable, and in February, 1892, to a second class sergeant. His clerical ability which in 1884 carried him with honours through the officers examination, marked him as specially suitable for a position on the office staff, and when Sergeant Crampton was promoted to the rank of sub- inspector and left the office of the inspecting superintendent, Derry was appointed to take his place as chief clerk. In his new position Derry worked untiringly and with much success, and having a talent for organisation he devoted himself to the task of making a success of the police brass band, of the committee of which he was chairman. His efforts and the efforts of those associated with him were an unqualified success as the record of two years, during which £5OO or so has been raised by the band for charities testifies. On Saturday morning Derry seemed in his usual health and spirits, but soon after he had entered his office Constable McGuinness heard a pistol shot, and upon running into Derry’s room he found him lying on the floor with a smoking pistol in his hand. Sergeant Byrne was called, and though he saw that the pistol bullet having entered the sergeants mouth, was still embedded in his brain, and had undoubtedly caused instant death, he ordered the body to be at once removed to the Melbourne Hospital. This was done, and Dr Desailly examined the patient but his examination confirmed the opinion of Sergent Byrne. The bullet had evidently been fired while the pistol was held in the mouth, and it had caused immediate death. Mr Sadleir examined the sergeants papers and found them correct in every particular, and he then communicated the fact of his death to the chief commissioner. An inquest will be held to day at noon.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8699349?searchTerm=sergeant%20crampton&searchLimits=l-australian=y|||l-category=Article|||sortby#pstart313778

Damian LEEDING

| 31/07/2014

Damian LEEDING

Queensland Police

Detective Senior Constable

Coomera Police Station

34 old

Born 17th January, 1976

Murdered – Shot on 29 May 2011

Died 1 June 2011

Funeral

Tuesday, 7th June, 2011

Gold Coast Convention Centre, corner of Gold Coast Highway and TE Peters Drive, Broadbeach, commencing at 11.00 a.m.

Policeman shot in face on Gold Coast

By Andree Withey and Russell Varley
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-05-30/policeman-shot-in-face-fighting-for-life/2736458

Andree Withey and Russell Varley

Updated Mon 30 May 2011, 5:26am AEST

Senior Constable Damian Leeding was responding to a triple-0 call at the Pacific Pines Tavern when he was shot. (ABC TV)

A police officer is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot in the face during an armed hold-up on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Senior Constable Damian Leeding, 34, from Coomera was responding a triple-0 call at the Pacific Pines Tavern when he was shot in the face as he approached the tavern.

Queensland Police Union (QPU) president Ian Leavers says Senior Constable Leeding was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene just before 11pm (AEST).

“Damian and a female detective were responding to alleged armed robbery in progress and upon approaching the tavern the offender has come towards Damian and he has been shot in the head,” he said.

It is understood three people armed with guns had been threatening staff and customers at the tavern.

Police say they believe up to seven people had been involved in the hold-up.

Police detained two men as they tried to run into nearby parkland and they are being questioned about the incident.

One was bitten by a police dog.

Ambulance officers assessed the man but say he did not require hospital treatment.

Police have cordoned off the area and are searching for the remaining five suspects.

Mr Leavers says Senior Constable Leeding has undergone emergency surgery in the Gold Coast hospital and is in a critical condition.

He says he has been to the hospital and spoken with the female detective who was with Senior Constable Leeding at the time of the shooting.

“This is unfortunately the unpredictable nature of police work which can occur from time to time, but it is tragic and we are hoping for a good outcome,” he said.

Queensland Police Minister Neil Roberts says the shooting highlights the risks and dangers of police work.

“We just need to let police to fully investigate the matter,” he said.

“We really do ask anyone with any bit of information – no matter how small – to please ring Crimestoppers.

“This is a very difficult time for the family and really our hearts and minds are with them at the moment.”

Mr Leavers says Senior Constable Leeding is a well respected officer with Coomera CIB.

“Damian is a married man – his wife is also a police officer and he has two very young children,” he said.

“It is a very distressing time and our prayers and thoughts are with them.

“I have spoken to the colleagues and police on the scene and all are hoping for the best possible outcome and our prayers and thoughts are with Damian and his family.”

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said at a press conference “the worst situation almost that you could possibly imagine for us has occurred”.

Commissioner Atkinson says officers at Coomera CIB will be given extra support.

“It’s our intention to bring in extra police from outside to help in the staffing of Coomera for the next 48 hours so that the officers at least have additional back-up there,” Commissioner Atkinson said.

“If they choose to take some time off and then we can support them in that regard.”

Commissioner Atkinson says he believes the incident will touch the wider community.

“I think there will be an outpouring of support for people who in the daily course of their duties put their own safety at risk to protect the public,” he said.

Shot policeman: ‘We’re expecting the worst’
Marissa Calligeros
May 31, 2011 – 9:26AM

The UK family of shot police officer Senior Constable Damian Leeding is rushing to reach his Gold Coast bedside as the trio charged with his attempted murder prepares to face court.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers joined Senior Constable Leeding‘s wife Sonya in prayer this morning at the intensive care unit of Gold Coast Hospital, where the plain clothes detective remains on life support.

Senior Constable Leeding was shot in the face at point-blank range after he leapt over a fence and came face-to-face with a bandit armed with a sawn-off shotgun at a Gold Coast pub on Sunday night.
“There is not much we can do but wait,” Mr Leavers said this morning.

“His injuries are very, very serious, as you can imagine from a gunshot injury to the head.

“We’re expecting the worst, but hoping for the best.”

Senior Constable Leeding, 35, had recently returned to duty after the birth of their three-month-old daughter Grace. Sonya, a fellow police officer, remains on maternity leave. The pair also have a two-year old son, Hudson.

Mr Leavers described Senior Constable Leeding as a “supremely fit man” and keen triathlete.

“Damian is a fighter and if anyone can pull through this it’s going to be him,” he said.

His father and sister were due to fly to the Gold Coast from the UK today.

Two men and a woman are due to face Southport Magistrates Court today charged with attempted murder, armed robbery and seven counts of deprivation of liberty.

Senior Constable Leeding responded to a triple-0 call from the Pacific Pines Tavern about 10.30pm.

Inside, two armed bandits had allegedly held hostage and tied the hands of seven people – four patrons, two staff and a security guard – and were demanding money.

Police have said the robbery was meticulously planned. Their accomplice was keeping watch and reportedly warned the pair inside that police had arrived over a walkie-talkie.

When Senior Constable Leeding leaped a fence he came face-to-face with one of the bandits and was shot in the face at point-blank range.

Senior Constable Jackson rushed to her partner’s aid and began to perform CPR as a dog squad officer arrived and pursued the alleged attackers.

Two, a man and a woman, were soon apprehended in nearby parkland. A second man was arrested yesterday morning.

Police yesterday charged the two men, aged 37 and 38, and a 37-year-old woman, all from Nerang.

Tributes have flooded social networking site Facebook for the officer who excelled to reach the rank of plain clothes detective after eights years in the force.

“Stay strong Damian. I hope that you are able to recover from this senseless act against you,” Tania Sherley wrote.

Das Pedro wrote: “Pull through champ, hearts and thoughts are with you.”

Senior Constable Leeding was stationed at Surfers Paradise police station after he graduated from the police academy in 2003 with an award for his physical fitness.

He then joined the Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch, before being posted to Coomera CIB when it was established 18 months ago.

His wife Sonya had worked at Runaway Bay, but is currently on maternity leave.

Funeral Details:

LEEDING, Damian Detective Senior Constable Late of Upper Coomera, formerly of Highland Park.

17th January, 1976 to 1st June, 2011. Aged 35 years

Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his Friends. “At Great Cost, With Honour We Serve”

Loving Husband of Sonya. Adored & Proud Father of Hudson and Grace. Much loved Son of Stephen and Julie. Loved Brother of Hayley and Chantelle. Much loved Son-in- law of Garry and Margaret. Greatly missed Brother-in-law to Melanie, Shane and Christie, and loved Uncle to his Nieces and Nephews.

Relatives and Friends and Colleagues of The Late Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding, are warmly invited to attend his Funeral with full Queensland Police Honours. To be held in the Gold Coast Convention Centre, corner of Gold Coast Highway and TE Peters Drive, Broadbeach, Tuesday, 7th June, 2011 commencing at 11.00 a.m.. No flowers by request. Donations would be appreciated to the Damian Leeding Remembrance fund.

Lawyer defending one of accused in Damian Leeding trial tells jury officer’s actions ‘rash, dangerous’

Brooke Baskin
The Courier-Mail
September 20, 2013 1:40PM

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/lawyer-defending-one-of-accused-in-damian-leeding-trial-tells-jury-officer8217s-actions-8216rash-dangerous8217/story-fnihsrf2-1226723590521

A POLICEMAN who was gunned down outside a Gold Coast tavern made the “rash, ill-considered and highly-dangerous” decision to open fire on an armed robber, who reacted “in self-defence”.

Officer Damian Leeding’s family rejoices as killer Phillip Graeme Abell is sentenced to life in jail without parole

Brooke Baskin
The Courier-Mail
October 09, 2013 12:00AM

A VIOLENT, gun-toting career criminal and convicted bank robber yesterday stood head bowed and showed no emotion as he was given life in prison for killing Gold Coast policeman Damian Leeding.

Phillip Graeme Abell, 41, stood with a hardened face as he was told he would serve a life sentence without parole for the shooting murder on May 29, 2011.

Outside court, the father-of-two’s family rejoiced at the sentence but shared their heartbreak.

“We would just like to say how grateful we are to the judge and the court for the length of the sentence,” mum Julie Waters said.

“Obviously that’s never going to bring Damian back, but nothing is enough to bring Damian back, ever …”

Abell was sentenced to 18 years jail for the terrifying armed robbery of the Pacific Pines Tavern and three years jail for each of the seven hostages he detained at gunpoint in the long, frightening minutes before Sen-Const Leeding was shot at 10.40pm.

There was no repeat of Abell’s antics as the verdict was delivered, when he infamously refused to stand and flipped the bird at Supreme Court Justice James Douglas.

His only supporter in court, his partner, sat emotionless behind him in the public gallery. Abell will be 59 before he is eligible for release.

Justice Douglas denounced his lack of remorse and the “deliberate” killing of a police officer in the execution of his duty.

He said that by arming himself with a loaded shotgun during the holdup, Abell would have “at least anticipated the possibility of police intervening”.

“It seems significant to me the crime was a deliberate shooting of a police officer who was acting in his sworn duty to protect the public,” he said.

Ms Waters and Sen-Const Leeding’s sisters Hayley and Chantelle read out victim impact statements from the witness stand through tears.

The women spoke about the toll their son and brother’s murder had on their family, of their individual battles with post-traumatic stress disorder, their struggle to come to terms with his loss and frustration at broken relationships.

Ms Waters told of the daily struggle to sit through her son’s murder trial and being “overwhelmed” at seeing her son’s killers.

“Words cannot express our grief and how much we miss Damian,” she said.

Tavern staff members Kelly McLaren and Emma Stoddard shared their grief and sadness and told of the ongoing, debilitating impact on their emotional and physical well-being.

Ms Stoddard said she blamed herself for what happened to Sen-Const Leeding and struggled to find meaning or happiness in her life.

“I constantly remember Damian who lost everything,” she said.

Abell’s extensive criminal history of violent armed robberies was aired in court, including the holdup of a bank for which he served eight years in 1997. In 1990, he was sentenced to four-years jail for being the getaway driver when a convenience store was held up with a loaded pistol.

He was dealt with for violence towards Queensland Corrective Services officers while in custody in 1993.

Abell is yet to be sentenced for a violent home invasion on December 30, 2010, using the same sawn-off shotgun that killed Sen-Const Leeding.

He and accomplice Donna Lee McAvoy, 39, were convicted of the Coomera detective’s murder last month.

Outside court, Assistant Commissioner Paul Wilson said he had phoned Sen-Const Leeding’s wife Sonya, who was absent from court as her children were unwell, to tell her of the sentence.

Jury retires to consider murder charges against two people accused of killing policeman Damian Leeding

Brooke Baskin
The Courier-Mail
September 23, 2013 5:24PM

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/jury-retires-to-consider-murder-charges-against-two-people-accused-of-killing-policeman-damian-leeding/story-fnihsrk2-1226725185117

Phillip Graeme Abell, 41, and Donna Lee McAvoy, 39, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Coomera detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding, 35, as he tried to foil their escape from a hold-up at 10.40pm on May 29, 2011.

At the opening of the 11-day trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court, both pleaded guilty to armed robbery with personal violence and to seven counts of deprivation of liberty.

Justice James Douglas on Monday summed up the evidence to the jury before it retired to consider a verdict at 12.35pm.

It returned to a packed court room at 3.50pm to deliver a unanimous decision.

Crown Prosecutor Todd Fuller QC told the Supreme Court in Brisbane Sen-Constable Leeding was shot in the head at close range just minutes after he arrived at the scene.

He suffered “catastrophic” brain injuries that led to his life support being switched off on June 1. He had fired three shots from his gun before it jammed.

Mr Fuller said an “organised criminal enterprise” almost escaped with a haul of $16,000 in coins and $20 notes after the hold-up.

The pair disguised themselves, wore padding and dressed in dark clothing as they robbed the tavern, taking seven staff members and patrons hostage by holding the gun to their heads and tying their arms behind their backs with zip-ties.

One woman managed to sneak out and call 000 from her car before driving away. Another witness called 000 when he saw the drama unfolding as he stopped by for a drink.

Sen-Constable Leeding and his partner, detective Sen-Constable Nicole Jackson, were the first police on scene and drew their guns.

Sen-Constable Leeding jumped over a fence at the tavern and yelled “stop police, police” when his partner heard two shots ring out and dived for cover.

Sen-Constable Leeding had more than 50 injuries to his face caused by pellets from the shot fired at him. The injuries included skull fractures, compound facial fractures, lacerations to his frontal lobes and a complete loss of eyesight.

McAvoy and Abell were caught in nearby bushland that night.

Earlier, the public gallery in court 11 was packed as the jury filed out to consider the evidence heard during the trial.

Justice James Douglas on Monday summed up the evidence to the jury before it retired to consider a verdict at 12.35pm.

He told the jury it should dismiss all feelings of sympathy or prejudice and warned it against allowing public opinion to affect its decision.

Justice Douglas said it was open to the jury to find both Abell and McAvoy guilty of murder with intent, if they were satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Sen-Constable Leeding was dead, the defendant Abell killed him and did so with intent to cause death or grievous bodily harm and that the killing was unlawful.

He said the jury could also find Abell and McAvoy guilty of murder if they found the unlawful killing was carried out in the prosecution of an unlawful purpose, as in this particular case, an armed robbery, and was a probable consequence of the act.

Justice Douglas said it was the burden of the prosecution to disprove the police officer’s use of force was unlawful on the night.

Under the law, if a person was assaulted and there was a reasonable apprehension of death or grievous bodily harm, and the person cannot otherwise preserve themselves, it would be lawful for the person to use any such force as was necessary to defend themselves.

He said if the jury found Abell acted in self-defence, it must find him not guilty of murder or manslaughter.

Justice Douglas summarised the evidence heard during the trial and the closing arguments of the Crown and defence counsels.

He told the jury it must reach a unanimous verdict.

Phillip Graeme Abell and Donna Lee McAvoy show no remorse after being found guilty of murder Gold Coast policeman Damian Leeding

Brooke Baskin
The Courier-Mail
September 25, 2013 12:00AM

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/phillip-graeme-abell-and-donna-lee-mcavoy-show-no-remorse-after-being-found-guilty-of-murder-gold-coast-policeman-damian-leeding/story-fnihsrf2-1226725531549

PHILLIP Graeme Abells icy-blue stare is fixed defiantly on the man behind the camera.

Just moments earlier, those same eyes stared down the sites of a shortened Bentley pump-action shotgun and fired at a police officer.

Blood trickles down his left arm where a police dog latched onto him in bushland near the Pacific Pines Tavern.

He didn’t make a sound as the dog bit into the flesh of his armpit and crouched silently in the lantana until a police torch picked him out in the darkness.

“You’ve got the wrong guy,” he told them.

“I’ve had a couple of drinks and come into the bush.”

Abell was marched from the scrub by two police officers who tracked him in the dark for 350m and five long minutes.

Their radios were switched down low as the dog tracked his scent, a heady mix of adrenaline, sweat and alcohol.

Back on the road, Abell’s hands were wrapped in paper to preserve evidence and cuffed behind his back.

The weapon he brandished during the stick-up was dumped into the bush near where he ran off the road.

A few more metres on he dropped a bum-bag full of shotgun cartridges, tore off a brown jacket, a black life vest, gloves and tracksuit pants.

The image of gunman Abell, 41, was yesterday released by the Supreme Court in Brisbane after he and Donna Lee McAvoy, 39, were found guilty of the shooting murder of Coomera detective Sen-Constable Damian Leeding outside the tavern that night.

McAvoy, overweight and wrapped in layers of clothing, trailed Abell as they ran from the tavern moments after the shooting.

The spoils of their 16-minute siege on a quiet Sunday night – $16,000 in coins and notes weighing more than 70kg – was abandoned in the car park.

McAvoy was wrestled onto Pitcairn Rd by two police officers and Abell took his chance to flee.

They said she looked exhausted and complained of struggling for breath with her breasts bandaged down and her torso strapped in a child’s-size life jacket.

CCTV images from the robbery showed Abell pointing the gun at frightened patrons and staff as they cowered on the ground and behind the bar McAvoy zip-tied the hostage’s hands behind their backs and filled a black sports bag with cash from a safe. Abell threatened he would “shoot to get out’’ if the police turned up.

As the bandits fled with cash and stolen car keys, Sen-Constable Leeding foiled any chance they had at a clean exit by jumping a 1.2m high fence, running through a children’s playground and firing three rounds before his Glock pistol jammed.

Abell returned fire with a single blast from the shortened shotgun, striking the detective in the head and face.

The trial exhibits released by Justice James Douglas yesterday included the frantic radio call by detective Sen-Constable Nicole Jackson to police communications.

“Charlie 500 urgent,’’ she said. The communications operator calls her back but gets no response. She tries two more times before warning other police the job was now a “code 1’. “Shots fired, shots fired. Urgent. Officer down’’ she said.

The exhibits also included 000 calls to police from frightened pub patrons who saw the holdup unfolding but managed to escape.

Another has the chilling conversation between McAvoy and an undercover officer in the cells of Southport’s police watch house.

“I’m looking at a long time,’’ McAvoy told her undercover cellmate, as if it were a badge of honour. “Pac Pines. Armed robbery.’’

A dazed sounding McAvoy told her cellmate her accomplice opened fire at Sen-Constable Leeding, claiming he was “cornered’’.

“You don’t know what you’re going to do in a situation like that,’’ McAvoy said. “He’s f . . . shot his way out.’’

McAvoy continued: “F… oath mate. Just as we were walking out the f . . . door, didn’t know there were f . . . coppers there and they’re supposed to f . . . announce themselves.’’

Another man told police how he was followed by what police believe was a car without its headlights on. Detectives believe it was getaway driver, Benjamin Ernest Power, 39, and McAvoy’s partner of three years.

“I just walked into the pub at Pac Pines and it’s being held up.

“There’s guys with guns, everything,’’ he said.

“There’s a car following me with its lights turned off…’’

Earlier, Phillip Graeme Abell refused to stand for a judge and flipped him the bird as a jury yesterday found he and Donna Lee McAvoy guilty of the murder of Gold Coast policeman Damian Leeding.

Detective Senior Constable Leeding, 35, left behind his wife Sonya and two young children, Grace and Hudson, when he was shot in the face at close range as he responded to a Gold Coast tavern robbery in May 2011.

Outside court yesterday, his father-in-law Garry O’Brien could finally utter the words he had been waiting to say: “We’ve got the bastards”.

It was a reference to a comment from his son-in-law, who before his death told Mr O’Brien “we’re going to get the bastards” as they watched news footage together of escalating armed robberies on the Gold Coast.

“I think I can strongly say on behalf of the family, we can finally say to Damo, Rest In Peace,” Mr O’Brien said.

Sen-Constable Leeding’s mother Julie Waters said her son would be remembered by those who loved him as “a true hero”.

“Damian was doing his job and his life was taken without regard for him or his family,” she said.

It took a jury in the Supreme Court of Brisbane less than three hours to return its verdict, finding Abell and McAvoy guilty of the detective’s shooting murder.

The decision came after a two-week trial and was met with cheers, applause and tears from the packed public gallery in court 11.

A grim-faced and heavily tattooed Abell, 41, and co-offender McAvoy, 39, who sobbed with her face buried in her hands, will be sentenced by Justice James Douglas on Friday with getaway driver Benjamin Ernest Power, 39.

Power pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier this month.

Power, McAvoy’s lover, did not face trial when his plea of guilty to manslaughter was accepted by the Crown earlier this month.

McAvoy and Abell disguised themselves with padding and wore T-shirts over their heads when they raided the Pacific Pines Tavern, tying up terrified hostages and holding a gun to their heads.

They stole $16,048 in coins and notes as Power waited outside the tavern as a lookout, using a two-way radio to alert those inside to the arrival of police.

Sen-Constable Leeding and partner, detective Sen-Constable Nicole Jackson, were the first on the scene and ran to foil their escape.

Grainy CCTV footage showed Abell and McAvoy lugging 70kg worth of stolen coins out a sliding door and down a ramp seconds before the shotgun was fired.

Out of view, the weapon’s muzzle flash lit up the night and felled the detective where he stood.

Sen-Constable Leeding suffered more than 50 injuries to his head and face when the shotgun pellets struck him. He managed to fire three times but missed when his Glock pistol jammed on the fourth. He suffered catastrophic brain injuries and died in the Gold Coast Hospital when his life support was switched off on June 1.

McAvoy and Abell abandoned their sports bag laden with cash and fled into bushland, where they were caught soon after.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Wilson said Sen-Constable Leeding had bravely made a “supreme sacrifice”.

“It’s a reality check as to what police officers do every day in the community,” he said.

“They go to work to protect the public, as the brave Damian Leeding did on that particular night…’’

Police Union president Ian Leavers said the murder was “outright and callous’’ and denounced Abell’s conduct in court for its “complete contempt’’.

“As the jury found out, we have a person who callously murdered a young man in the prime of his life and nothing has changed since the 29th of May, 2011,’’ he said.

He said the verdict was right but it would never bring Sen-Constable Leeding back or let him see his children grow up.

Dog Squad officer Wayne Algie tells of the terrifying night that earned him a nomination for the Valour Award

( handler of Police Dog Bosun )

Robyn Wuth
Gold Coast Bulletin
April 11, 2014 12:01AM

THE Dog Squad officer who risked his life to hunt down the gunman who killed Gold Coast Detective Damian Leeding has been nominated for the highest bravery award available in the Queensland Police Service.

Speaking exclusively to the Bulletin, Wayne Algie recalled the night that earned him the nomination for the Valour Award — given to an officer who performs an act of exceptional bravery in hazardous circumstances.

Detective Senior Constable Leeding was shot in the head and died days later in hospital.

His murder led to an outpouring of support from the Gold Coast community, who turned out in the thousands for his funeral.

Hero police dog Bosun, who caught Damian Leeding’s killers, sadly dies

Andrew Potts
Gold Coast Bulletin
June 23, 2014 6:45PM

http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/pets-and-wildlife/hero-police-dog-bosun-who-caught-damian-leedings-killers-sadly-dies/story-fnk74alk-1226964130234

FAMED police dog Bosun has died just one year after retiring.

The beloved German Shepherd, who caught the killers of Senior Constable Damian Leeding in 2011, passed away this morning after a short illness.

Bosun tracked the gunman, Phillip Graeme Abell, into “pitch-black’’ bushland after tracking him 350m into scrub on the fateful night.

Bosun’s handler Senior-Constable Wayne Algie said the leash went slack and he drew his firearm and a torch to see the dog had bitten a man and was holding him by the left armpit.

The nine-year-old dog died just months after receiving the Australian Defence Force Service Medal for his long career.

The medal ceremony was his last public outing before retiring to the home of his handler, Sen-Const Algie.

David Andrew SHEAN

| 31/07/2014

David Andrew SHEAN

( late of Waterford West )

Queensland Police Force

Regd. # 3607

Rank: Senior Constable

Stations: ?, Darling Downs, Brisbane, Brisbane Traffic Branch, Brisbane Traffic Tail bike Squad, , South Brisbane District Training Office, Brisbane Traffic Camera Officer, Metropolitan South Regional Traffic Adjudication Office

Service: From pre 27 May 1977 to 5 April 2001 = 24 years Service

Academy: ‘B’ Squad

Awards: National Medal – granted 20 July 1994

Born: 10 July 1952

Died on: 5 April 2001

Cause: Injuries received – Traffic accident

Event location: Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane, Qld

Age: 48

Funeral date: 10 April 2001

Funeral location: Great Southern Memorial Park, Carbrook, Qld

Buried at: Cremated. Ashes were scattered at Hope Banks in Moreton Bay, Qld.

Memorials: Waterford West State School unveiled a plaque dedicated to his memory in their garden of conciliation and reflection.

Gold Coast ( Qld ) Water Police rescue vessel ” D A Shean ” named in honour of David.

David Andrew SHEAN - QPol - MVA - 5 April 2001 — David Andrew SHEAN – QPol – MVA – 5 April 2001

DAVID IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

Senior Constable David Andrew Shean

On 5 April 2001, Senior Constable Dave Shean’s life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a traffic accident while responding to a crime in progress.

It came as no surprise to those who knew Senior Constable Shean to discover he was among the first to respond to a call for assistance. This is a mark of his character and of the professionalism he consistently displayed in serving the people of Queensland.

Senior Constable’s Shean’s service commenced in 1977. He performed duty in both the Darling Downs area and Brisbane before realising an ambition to serve in the Brisbane Traffic Branch. His versatility and knowledge was exemplified in the various roles he performed while serving in the South Brisbane District Training Office, the Brisbane Traffic Camera Office and the Metropolitan South Regional Traffic Adjudication Office.

His commitment to the community was further showcased by his active involvement with Radio Lollipop and with many police displays at the RNA and Brisbane Motor Shows. His contribution since 1988 to the Adopt-a-Cop program was highlighted earlier this year when the Waterford West State School unveiled a plaque dedicated to his memory in their garden of conciliation and reflection.

The contribution of Senior Constable Shean to policing in Queensland is reflected in the words of Assistant Commissioner Freestone who said, “In representing the Service and the community he so faithfully served, David has made the ultimate sacrifice in the execution of his duty.”

The positive contribution to policing made by Senior Constable Shean stands as a testament to him. He too, will be sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues and the community he so ably served.

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David was a “sparkie” ( electrician ) pre Queensland Police employment.

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Named in honour of David Andrew Shean

Senior Constable David Shean Senior Constable Shean was sworn into the Queensland Police Force in 1977. He performed duty in both the Darling Downs area and Brisbane before joining the Brisbane Traffic Branch.Senior Constable Shean served in a number of positions including the South Brisbane District Training Office, Brisbane Traffic Camera Office and the Metropolitan South Regional Traffic Adjudication Office before joining the South Brisbane Traffic Branch.

In 1988 Senior Constable Shean volunteered for the ‘Adopt a Cop’ program with the Waterford West State School. Following his death the staff and students of the School unveiled a plaque dedicated to his memory in their garden of conciliation and reflection.

On the 5 April 2001, while a member of the South Brisbane Traffic Branch, Senior Constable Shean responding on urgent duty to a crime in progress was killed when his police motorcycle collided with a truck at Eight Mile Plains in Brisbane.

Qld Police Vessel “D.A.SHEAN” – Gold Coast

“D.A.SHEAN”

The “D.A.SHEAN” launched 9th December 2005.The Honourable Judy Spence MP, Minister for Police and Corrective Services and the Commissioner for Police Mr Robert Atkinson APM, officiated at the commissioning and launching of the D. A. SHEAN at the Southport Yacht Club, Macarthur Parade, Main Beach.

Senior Constable Shean’s wife Paula and children Katie, Kimberley, Christopher and Matthew attended the launch.

The “D.A.SHEAN” is a 10 metre aluminium vessel constructed by Yamba Welding and Engineering Pty Ltd. The vessel is powered by twin 420hp (8.2 litre) M.P.I. fuel injected V8 inboard Mercruiser petrol engines with Mercruiser Bravo 3 stern drives fitted with dual propellers.

The “D.A.SHEAN” has a cruising speed of 22 knots and a top speed of 44 knots (80 km/hr) and is fitted with a dual fuel system with a total capacity of 1200 litres of unleaded petrol. The vessel is equipped with the latest electronic equipment for navigation and communication purposes and is registered in 2C commercial survey (50 nautical miles to sea) for 2 crew and 16 passengers.

http://www.qldwaterpolice.com/Bio/D_A_Shean.html

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Ashie Dave We at the Gold Coast Water Police are proud to have the Water Police Vessel named in his Honour. The Police Vessel D A Shean is our rescue vessel and has saved many lives. In Memory of Dave. I’m proud to say I have been its Master on many rescues.

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Norman James WATT

| 31/07/2014

Norman James WATT

( grew up in Chinchilla )

Queensland Police Force

Joined Qld Police Force via Qld Police Cadet System 1986 – 1987

Regd. # ?

Rank: Senior Constable

Stations: Dog Squad – death

Service: From ? ? 1986 to 21 July 2000 = ? years Service

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: ? ? ?

Died on: 21 July 2000

Cause: Shot – murdered – Alton Downs, Qld

Age: 33

Funeral date: 25 July 2000

Funeral location:

Buried at: Nerimbera Memorial Cemetery, Rockhampton, Qld

Memorial location:

Norman James WATT - SenCon - Shot at siege - Qld - 21 July 2000 — Norman James WATT – SenCon – Shot at siege – Qld – 21 July 2000. Pictured with his dog – Zeus

[alert_green]NORM IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

At 9.22pm on Thursday 20 July 2000 Information was received at the Rockhampton communications room regarding a serious domestic dispute that was taking place on a property at Alton Downs 15kms north-west of Rockhampton.

An ex-serviceman named Royce William Cooper (58yrs) had fired three (3) shots at a friend during an argument at the property.

Senior Constable Norm Watt the dog squad officer on duty was one of a number of police directed to attend the scene. Officers arrived at the property and immediately placed a cordon around the residence.

In the darkness Cooper had exited his house and camouflaged himself amongst bushes in the yard.

At a little after midnight Senior Constable Watt and another officer went to view the house from another vantage point. As Senior Constable Watt moved toward the house a shot was heard and Senior Constable Watt fell to the ground. Fellow officers were unable to safely approach their fallen colleague to render assistance as they were unaware of Cooper’s exact location.

An armoured vehicle from the Rockhampton correctional Centre was summoned and recovered the body of Senior Constable Watt.

The officer was officially pronounced dead at 3.47am.

A post mortem examination revealed that the bullet had severed Senior Constable Watt’s femoral artery causing death within minutes of being hit.

After a seven hour siege Cooper surrendered to police. He was later charged and convicted of murder in the Rockhampton Supreme Court and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Senior Constable Norman James Watt is buried in the Nerimbera Memorial Cemetery Rockhampton.

Cemetery location: Grave location is: Sect. ROG Row. 8 Grave 12

Police remember slain dog squad officer

Megan Lewis

Updated Wed 21 Jul 2010, 3:15pm AEST

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-07-21/police-remember-slain-dog-squad-officer/914086

A memorial service has been held at Rockhampton in central Queensland to honour a police officer killed in the line of duty.

Today marks 10 years since the shooting death of Senior Constable Norman James Watt.

The 33-year-old dog squad officer was killed while responding to a domestic disturbance on a property at Alton Downs, west of Rockhampton.

Queensland Police Service commissioner Bob Atkinson says Senior Constable Watt paid the ultimate sacrifice and died serving the community he had sworn to protect.

“Norm was many things – a husband, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a colleague, a fine police officer, and with his dog Zeus they were a fine team,” he said.

Mr Atkinson says the bond between dog squad officers and their animals is incredible, and dogs live with their handlers full-time.

“In most cases those officers work alone and most of the time they work through the night alone with their dog, and the bond they form is very close,” he said.

Zeus was retired immediately after the shooting and was cared for by Senior Constable Watt’s wife, until he died of kidney failure 18-months later.

Officer’s family joins march

Widow Anna Watt and her niece took part in this morning’s march from Rockhampton City Hall to the memorial garden at the Rockhampton Police Station.

She was flanked by two dog squad officers with pups-in-training, followed by a large number of Rockhampton police officers.

The Queensland Police Pipes and Drums led the procession.

During the ceremony, family, friends and former colleagues of Senior Constable Watt laid floral tributes under a plaque commemorating his death.

Senior Constable Watt’s brother, Greg Watt said it was an honour to witness the respect shown by colleagues and the community.

Commissioner Bob Atkinson says Senior Constable Watt was one of three Queensland police officers killed in the line of duty in the past ten years.

Police march for slain police officer Norm Watt, Rockhampton, July 21st 2010 - 10th anniversary — Police march for slain police officer Norm Watt, Rockhampton, July 21st 2010 – 10th anniversary

The Queensland Police Pipes and Drums led the march to remember Norm Watt.

Touch Stone, National Police Memorial, ACT.

http://www.police.qld.gov.au/Resources/Internet/services/reportsPublications/annualReport/2001/documents/11_honoursAwards.pdf

Policing in Queensland has long been a respected and valued profession but it is also an inherently dangerous one. This fact was tragically highlighted with the deaths of

two serving officers this year. The untimely deaths of Senior Constable Norm Watt and Senior Constable Dave Shean brings to one hundred the number of serving Queensland police officers who have died in the performance of duty. A tribute has been included in this Annual Report as a mark of respect to these two officers and to acknowledge the terrible loss felt at their passing by the Service, their families and friends and by their police colleagues who supported them throughout their careers.

Senior Constable Norman James Watt

The newly built Dog Squad facility in Brisbane has been named the Norm Watt Complex as a tribute to Senior Constable Norman James Watt.

Senior Constable Norm Watt was shot and killed while attending a domestic violence incident near Rockhampton on 21 July 2000.

Senior Constable Watt’s operational career began in 1987 with a posting to Rockhampton. During his career, he proved himself to be an able and reliable officer serving in a variety of positions within the area including small stations, the CIB and the Rockhampton Traffic Branch. Senior Constable Watt was also commended by the then Central Region Assistant Commissioner for his work as an undercover operative during Operation Breaker in 1990.

He was commended on a number of other occasions for good police work and was the recipient of many letters of appreciation from politicians, fellow police officers and

members of the public. As the Adopt-a-Cop at Parkhurst State School, Senior Constable Watt earned the respect of the school community and his efforts were recognised by the then Police Minister, the Honourable Terry MacKenroth MP.

Norm was promoted to Senior Constable, Rockhampton Dog Squad, on 21 February 1994. Together with police dog Zeus, he attended a wide variety of operational matters including the incident that tragically ended his career. The dedicated service which Senior Constable Watt provided to the people of Queensland is well summed up in the words of the then Police Commissioner, Jim O’Sullivan, who, when dedicating the Norm Watt Complex, described Norm as “an officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in his role to serve and protect the community … and whose sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

Senior Constable Watt will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues and by the community he so ably served.

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15 years may have passed, but Norm is still alive in our hearts

Sergeant Jody Fernie on Jul 21, 2015 @ 11:33am

Senior Constable Norm Watt with PD Zeus

Police across the State will take a moment today to remember Senior Constable Norman James Watt who died whilst on duty in Rockhampton fifteen years ago.

At 9.22pm on Thursday July 20 2000, officers were called to a hobby farm at Alton Downs, west of Rockhampton, after reports that a serious domestic dispute was taking place during which a man had fired three shots at a friend.

Senior Constable Norm Watt, a member of the Rockhampton Dog Squad, was also called to the scene with his dog, PD Zeus.

Officers arrived and began to put a cordon around the residence. It was just after midnight when a shot was heard and Senior Constable Watt was seen to fall to the ground.

Senior Constable Watt was pronounced dead on Friday July 21 at 3.47am. After a seven hour siege the offender surrendered to police and was later charged with murder and found guilty.

Senior Constable Watt was buried in the Nerimbera Memorial Cemetery Rockhampton and is remembered as a dear friend, a dedicated officer and a ‘stand up’ guy.

Fifteen years may have passed but to those who knew Norm, he is still alive in our hearts.

After Norm’s passing, Police Dog Zeus lived a happy retirement with Norm’s partner and passed away from old age a few years ago.

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Thomas LONIGAN

| 31/07/2014

Thomas LONIGAN

Victoria Police

Mounted Constable

Regd. # 2423

Shot – Murdered

34 old

Died 26 October 1878

Thomas LONIGAN - VicPol - Murdered - Oct1878 - Grave 1 — Thomas LONIGAN – VicPol – Murdered – Oct1878 – Grave 1

Kelly victims will not be forgotten, say descendents

Date: October 24, 2013

Lawrence Money

Journalist

Mounted constable Thomas Lonigan was just 34 when he died in October 1878 and, on Thursday at Mansfield cemetery, there was no doubting the cause – he was “murdered by armed criminals”. It says so on his tombstone and at a service to mark the restoration of the graves of Lonigan, Sergeant Michael Kennedy and Constable Michael Scanlan, the sentiment was clear. This was no place for fans of Ned Kelly.”A murderer and a bully,” said Leo Kennedy, great grandson of Sergeant Kennedy. “The effect of his murders still linger because of those who use his murders as an icon.”

Deborah Tunstall, great-great-granddaughter of Lonigan, said the service – attended by more than 100 police, descendants and locals – finally “brought justice” for the three men killed at Stringybark Creek so many years ago.

Kelly was executed in 1880 after being found guilty of murdering Constable Lonigan.

The three graves – in different locations due to the religious considerations of the time – were badly damaged along with other graves by vandals in the 1960s.

Police Minister Kim Wells told the service that the state government had allocated funds to restore the graves of Victorian police officer throughout the state.

The Mansfield service was a stirring sight, under a cloudy sky with the police pipe band, uniformed members of the Shrine guard and many locals in period costume. Police Commissioner Ken Lay said that, to some, the three policemen had become pawns in history, remembered as “mere footnotes to the lives and excesses of those murderous people”.

“Today, let’s do them the honour of stripping away some of the clutter. The simple truth is that they were asked to do something difficult, something very dangerous, simply because it was their job to do it.”

Commissioner Lay said Constable Scanlan had known there was a good chance he would not return. “Before he left Mooroopna on his horse he told a mate he could have his dog should he die while chasing the Kelly gang. As we all know, he did. These three men hold a sacred place in Victoria police history, as do 154 other Victorian member killed in the line of of duty.”

26Oct 1878

Lonigan, Thomas

Constable (2423)

On the 25^th October, 1878 Sergeant Michael Kennedy and Constables Lonigan, Michael Scanlan and Thomas McIntyre rode into the Wombat Ranges searching for Ned and Dan Kelly, who were wanted for the attempted murder of Constable Alex Fitzpatrick at Eleven Mile Creek, near Benalla, on 15^th April, 1878.

That evening the policemen established a camp near Stringbark Creek, and the following day Kennedy and Scanlan set off to patrol the area whilst McIntyre and Lonigan remained behind. Towards evening the camp site was attacked by the Kelly’s, together with their associates Steve Hart and Joe Byrne. Constable Lonigan was shot dead whilst Constable McIntyre was captured and held hostage. The outlaws then hid themselves around the camp, and left McIntyre on view as a decoy. When Kennedy and Scanlan returned Ned Kelly called on them to “bail up”, then almost immediately the outlaws began firing and the policemen were cut down. In the confusion McIntyre was able to escape and raise the alarm.

Over the next two years the Kelly gang, as they became known, remained at large, only coming out of hiding to make two much publicised raids, one on the township of Euroa, and the other at Jerilderie. Finally, in June, 1880 they received information that an associate, Aaron Sherritt, had betrayed them, and a large contingent of police were travelling to Euroa by train to arrest them. The gang moved swiftly. They murdered Sherritt, took over the township of Glenrowan and imprisoned the residents, and wrecked the railway line in the near vicinity. They then settled down to wait, planning to set upon the police party after their train ran off the rails at the point of sabotage. A local resident managed to allow the gang to release him, and he warned the approaching police and averted a disaster. Soon after the gang were cornered in a local hotel. A siege developed and Dan Kelly, Steve Hart and Joe Byrne were killed. Ned Kelly managed to escape, and returned later in his famous “suit of armour”, and attempted to shoot it out with police. Soon overpowered, he faced trial at Melbourne for killing Lonigan, and was hanged at 10.00 a.m. on 11^th November, 1880.

http://www.remember.org.au/Honour-Roll/1870s

Kerry John WEEKES

| 31/07/2014

Kerry John WEEKES

New South Wales Police Force

Redfern Police Academy Class # 116

Regd. # 13419

Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 16 September 1968

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable 1st Class – appointed 16 September 1973

Senior Constable – appointed 16 September 1977

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 8 September 1984

Sergeant 3rd Class ( Traffic Sergeant )

Stations: ?, 21 Division, Petersham ( 1975 ), 8 Division ( late 1970’s ), Balmain, Leichhardt, Fairfield ( 34 Division ) – Death

Service: From pre September 1968 ? to 17 April 1987 = 19+ years Service

Awards: National Medal – granted 19 November 1984 ( SenCon )

Born: Tuesday 21 December 1948

Age: 38 yrs 3 mths 27 days

Died on : Friday 17 April 1987 ( Good Friday )

Cause: Suicide via Service Pistol .38 Smith & Wesson revolver

Event location: Traffic Office, 2nd floor, west building of old Fairfield Police Stn, Smart St, Fairfield ( 34 Division )

Funeral date: ?

Funeral location: Orange, NSW

Buried at: Orange General Cemetery, Lone Pine Ave, Orange, NSW.

Grave: Anglican Lawn, Section D, Plot 5

KERRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE

Sergeant Kerry WEEKES was a Traffic Sergeant at Fairfield Police Station when, in 1987, he shot himself with his service revolver whilst inside the Traffic Office of that building.

Fairfield Police Station, at that time, comprised to two buildings on either side of the driveway which passed between the two buildings.

The Traffic Office was on the second floor on the western side of the driveway and was at the rear of that building overlooking the rear car park.

This original version of the Fairfield Police Station was demolished and later replaced with the current station we see upon Smart St, Fairfield, today.

No other information is available at this time ( 2014 – 2020 )

Police Dog ‘ Mojo ‘

| 31/07/2014

Police Dog ‘ Mojo ‘

New South Wales Police Force

Died for a fall – on duty

Alexandria, NSW

Friday 31 January 2014

Police dog ‘Mojo’ dies in the line of duty – Alexandria Police dog ‘Mojo’ has died during a search of a building site in Alexandria overnight.

About 9.15pm (Friday 31 January 2014), officers attached to Redfern Local Area Command were called to Wyndham Street, after reports a group of men had gained access to a building site.

Specialist officers from the Police Dog Unit – NSW Police Force also attended the scene. Police dog Mojo and his handler began a search of the premises. A short time later, Mojo fell and sustained extensive injuries.

The dog’s handler took him to Sydney University Emergency Animal Clinic, where he died.

Police continued a search of the premises, but no one was found.

Investigations into the matter are continuing. Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 0001800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

http://www.cwaustral.com.au/emag-2014/policenewsmarch2014-45884124/